Are You Allowed to Own a Pistol in Connecticut If You Have a Medical Marijuana Card?

The state of Connecticut permits adults age 21 and over to possess a limited amount of marijuana. Registered medical patients may be authorized to possess higher amounts under the state’s Medical Marijuana Program. Understanding how marijuana intersects with Connecticut’s firearm regulations, and speaking with a Hartford criminal defense lawyer, may help you determine your rights and avoid legal issues.

Is marijuana legal in the state of Connecticut?

Marijuana is legal in Connecticut, but the state enforces a number of restrictions. Violating these restrictions may result in fines or imprisonment.

As per Connecticut law, marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older as follows:

• Possession of up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana on your person.
• Possession of up to 5 ounces at your residence, provided the excess amount is stored in a locked container.

What is a medical marijuana card, and what can you do with it in Connecticut?

A medical marijuana card allows registered patients to purchase marijuana in amounts permitted by state law and Department of Consumer Protection regulations. The marijuana you acquire with this card must be used for medicinal purposes. Cardholders generally receive cost savings through exemption from certain cannabis excise taxes and may have access to medical-designated products, subject to retailer policies and state regulations.

To obtain a medical marijuana card, you must be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition approved under Connecticut law. This condition could be cancer or long-term chronic pain, among many other possibilities.

For example, if you are suffering from chronic pain often caused by Crohn’s Disease, you may be able to get a medical marijuana card. This medical marijuana card will let you purchase and carry marijuana, so that you can use it to address the chronic pain you live with.

If you do not have a medical marijuana card, your marijuana usage must obey the legal limits mentioned above. Exceeding legal possession limits may result in civil fines or criminal charges, depending on the amount involved and prior offenses.

Are you allowed to own a pistol in Connecticut if you have a medical marijuana card?

The Special Licensing and Firearms Unit is responsible for issuing state pistol permits in Connecticut; such permits are generally valid for five years unless revoked or suspended.

However, marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 drug by the Federal government. Federal law historically has prohibited firearm possession by individuals who are currently unlawful users of or addicted to controlled substances, which may include marijuana, depending on the facts (interpretation and enforcement of this provision continue to evolve). Connecticut’s permitting and eligibility requirements are separate, and state permits do not override federal prohibited-person rules.

For example, when purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, buyers must complete a federal background form that includes questions about unlawful substance use. If you have a medical marijuana card and smoke once a week, the seller may decline the sale based on federal firearms transfer requirements.

If you stop using marijuana, you may be able to own a pistol in the future, although this is not guaranteed. Eligibility will depend on the specific facts of your situation, including your prior history, compliance with firearm laws, and how federal eligibility standards apply at the time.

Can you have a medical marijuana card and concealed carry in Connecticut?

Just as you might assume, these laws apply to Connecticut’s concealed carry restrictions. Connecticut law requires a valid permit to carry a pistol or revolver, whether openly or concealed. Holding a medical marijuana card does not automatically bar you from obtaining or holding a concealed carry permit under state law, but active marijuana use may raise issues under federal law and affect firearm eligibility.

With limited exceptions, carrying a pistol or revolver (openly or concealed) without a permit is illegal. Under Connecticut law, this may result in significant prison time, fines, and other penalties, depending on the circumstances. Some firearm-related offenses in Connecticut also carry mandatory minimum sentences.

If you have been charged with a crime related to your firearm permit, marijuana usage, or concealed carry privileges, you need to speak with a criminal defense lawyer who can help you understand your rights and potential defenses.

Speak with a Hartford criminal defense lawyer today

If you have been charged with a crime, your lawyer can explain your rights, review the facts of your case, and discuss potential options moving forward. You can use this contact form to speak with an experienced Hartford criminal defense lawyer today. At Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC, we are ready to help you understand your options and protect your rights.